n. In philology, a distinctive quality or pitch forming in some languages a fixed feature of the pronunciation of words, as in Chinese, Swedish, etc.n. In telephonic testing, the humming noise produced by the introduction of an alternating or rapidly alternating current into the lineIn printing, to grade or soften with a graver, or roulette, or by etching certain parts (especially the edges) of (an illustration, usually an electrotype), as an aid in reducing the quantity of ink caused by pressure in printing.n. Any sound considered with reference to its acuteness or gravity (pitch), openness, dullness, purity, sweetness, harshness, or the like (quality or timbre), or loudness or softness (strength or volume).n. Specifically In musical acoustics, a sound having definiteness and continuity enough so that its pitch, force, and quality may be readily estimated by the ear, and so that it may be employed in musical relations; musical sound: opposed to noise. See sound.n. Modulation, inflection, or accent of the voice, as adapted to express sentiment, emotion, or passion.n. An affected or artificial style of intonation in speaking or reading; a sing-song or measured rhythmical manner of speaking.n. In music, one of the larger intervals of a diatonic series or scale; a whole step or “whole tone” as distinguished from a half-step or semitone.n. In Gregorian music, a melody or tune traditionally associated with a particular text; an ancient psalm-tune. See chant .n. In medicine, the state of tension or firmness proper to the tissues of the body; the state in which all the parts and organs have due tension or are well strung; the strength and activity of the organs on which healthy functions depend; hence, that state of the body in which all the animal functions are performed with healthy vigor. See tonicity.n. State or temper of mind; mood.n. Tenor; spirit; strain; quality; specifically, the general or prevailing character or style, as of morals, manners, or sentiments, especially a marked degree of such style.n. In painting, the prevailing effect of color, or the general effect produced by the management of light and shade in a picture: as, dark, light, or silvery tone.n. A quality of color; a tint; a shade.n. In chromatics, see the first quotation.n. In photography, the color of a finished positive picture, in many processes due to a chemical operation supplementary to those of producing and fixing the picture: as, a print of a brown, gray, or black tone; also, sometimes, the color of the film of a negative, etc.n. In grammar, syllabic accent; stress of voice on one of the syllables of a word.n. In playing on musical instruments of the stringed and brass wind groups, a tone produced from an open string or without the use of valves or other modifiers of the pitch. Opposed to stopped tone.n. Synonyms Noise, etc. See sound.To tune. See tune.To utter in an affected or drawling tone.To give tone or quality to, in respect either to sound or to color or tint.In photography, to alter the color, as of a picture in finishing it, to give it greater brilliancy or a more agreeable tint.To give a more subdued tone to; reduce or moderate the characteristic opinions or expressions of; render less confident, pronounced, or decided; soften.To take on a particular tone; specifically, to assume color or tint.To harmonize in tone, color, or tint.One: originally and usually preceded by the, and usually followed by the tother. See etymology. Compare tother.
